Osaka, Japan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/14/06
Personal Experiences from Osaka, Japan
Background:
1. How long have you lived here?
Lived there for 2 years.
2. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
10 hours from the West Coast.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing compound is one hour away by train from the Consulate, door-to-door. By van, it takes a little less time.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are expensive. The closest commissary is 8 hours away. However, FSOs can order from the Iwakuni Commissary and they will send items by Black Cat.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Pretty much everything is available here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most available: McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dominoe's, Starbuck's, Subway. No Burger King.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
One officer contacted the Philippine Consulate and got a name of someone interested in doing housework. She charges about US $10 per hour.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
This is still largely a cash society. Exchange Services are available at the Consulate.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not sure.
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
The Japan Times is available. It costs about US$1.50 per day.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A lot. I think it would be hard to live here without any Japanese.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots of stairs -- probably difficult for someone with a disability such as bad knees. However, convenient for those with vision impairments since the whole city has a textured grid leading to and from the train stations.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Left.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains and buses are very safe, but transportation in the Kansai area is fairly expensive. I had a monthly train pass to get to and from work and it was about US $100.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We didn't bring a car. We received a free second-hand car. It is possible to live without a car, but if you want to go to Costco, you need a car (or a friend with a car).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We had cable internet/tv. It comes to about US$80 per month. It is very fast.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The Consulate issues our phones.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
We have a cheap calling plan arranged by the Consulate.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Dogs are popular in Japan, and I have heard that there are many good vets and kennels nearby. (The kennel is expensive, though!)
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
If they don't speak Japanese, then the only jobs available are English teaching jobs. No EFM positions at the Consulate...yet.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At the Consulate, business.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
The industrial pollution is fairly bad here. Plus, everyone smokes EVERYWHERE. It is hard to escape the cigarette smoke.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most people send their children to Canadian Academy and are very pleased with it.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Not as large as Tokyo and hard to meet other expats.
2. Morale among expats:
For single women, low. For men, maybe a little bit higher, but morale in Tokyo is higher despite the fact that Kansai is a more interesting place to live!
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The consulate community here is not very social. People attend the requisite hails and farewells, but they rarely do much socializing otherwise. This is probably because most of the spouses are Japanese.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families and couples. Good for single males. Not good for single females. Most Western men here want to date Japanese women, and most Japanese men prefer Japanese women as well. Some spouses have had trouble if they are not Japanese. The Japanese tend to be very insular.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Good for gay men, I hear. There is a big gay neighborhood in Osaka.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Lots of racial discrimination in Japan.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Discount day at the movies for 1000 yen, all the historical sites in Kyoto, lots of hiking, lots of good restaurants.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
We managed to save some since we didn't go out drinking every night.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
You have to really love Japan to do well in Osaka.
